Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Preheating ensures that your oven reaches the correct temperature for baking before you start preparing the cake batter.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, vanilla extract and salt. Use a whisk or fork to sift and mix the dry ingredients together thoroughly. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt in the flour mixture.

Crack the eggs into a separate large mixing bowl. Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the eggs until they become thick and turn a pale yellow color. This process helps to incorporate air into the eggs, which will contribute to the light and fluffy texture of the cake.

Open the can of Del Monte fruit cocktail and pour it into the bowl with the beaten eggs. Include the syrup from the can as well. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the fruit cocktail into the eggs until evenly distributed.

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the bowl with the egg and fruit cocktail mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Prepare a 9-inch square baking pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray and dusting it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove once baked.

Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased and floured 9-inch square baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, smoothing the top as needed.

In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and firmly packed brown sugar. Stir until the nuts are evenly coated with the sugar. This nut topping will add a delicious crunch and sweetness to the cake.

Evenly sprinkle the nut and brown sugar mixture over the surface of the cake batter in the pan. Spread it out gently with a spoon or spatula, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.

Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully baked and ready to be removed from the oven.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Cake!